National Medical Association (NMA) to hold annual convention in Detroit for the first time since 1979

By Laydell Wood Harper/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT, MI (Tell Us Det) - African American Healthcare will take center stage this weekend in Downtown Detroit as we welcome the National Medical Association (NMA) to our city for the first time since 1979.

Dr. Lonnie Joe, Jr. MD., Detroit Medical Society comments, “Detroit is a medical “Hub” we have six level one Trauma Centers, two Children’s Hospitals, Pioneering Programs and Wayne State University is the largest medical school in the country. We are extremely happy to host this grand old convention in the “D” America’s great “come back” city.

More than 3000 African American Physicians will gather in Detroit July31-August 5 for the 113th NMA conference. This is the oldest and largest contingent of African American physicians and healthcare practitioners in the world that are dedicated to eliminating health disparities. This conference is for everyone. The only way to solve the problem is to work together collectively, all ethnicities working together.

The data for Healthcare disparities in Detroit is staggering. There are several local important initiatives in place to help resolve disparities. Last month, the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) a national organization, held a conference in Detroit at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church with ministers and local Health System leaders to discuss plans for a Fall Healthcare conference.

“Did you know that African Americans in Detroit suffer disproportionately from Health Disparities?” Said Martin Hamlette JD, MHA, Executive Director, National Medical Association.

“As the largest city in Michigan, with the highest concentration of African Americans at 82%, health disparities remain pervasive. Specifically, the Michigan Department of Community Health and other sources indicate the following:

• Blacks in Michigan are 27% more likely to die from cancer as Whites
• Blacks are nearly 1.5 times more likely to die from heart disease than Whites
• Detroit has the highest rate of HIV diagnoses at 40.4% and represents 52% of southeast Michigan cases; also Detroit represents 35% of Michigan’s new HIV cases
• Prevalence of diabetes among both African American (5.0%) and Hispanic adults (5.4%) ages 18-44 years was twice that of their White counterparts (2.5%)
Hamlette continues, “Collectively, these statistics serve as an alarm to NMA and the residents of Detroit! Now is not the time to give up, but instead it is a time to work collaboratively towards eliminating health disparities in Detroit and the state of Michigan at large.”

The numbers suggest it’s time for everyone to step up and solve the problem. According to the Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) African Americans continue to bear a disproportionate burden of disease incidence, years of potential life loss, premature death and lack of adequate access to care and treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend these simple lifestyle changes to lead to a healthier and happier life:
• Increase consumption of green vegetables and fruits by adding them to every meal
• Incorporate physical activity (i.e. walking, dancing, standing) for 30 minutes per day
• Know your numbers (i.e. cholesterol, blood pressure)--Secure a medical provider that you visit annually
• Know your HIV status—Get Tested

Velva S. Clark, NMA Auxiliary President Comments, “ African American physicians will come together to share their experiences, and the tools that they use in the treatment of African American patients. Especially common illnesses such as heart decease and diabetes. There are a lot of disparities in the African American community.”

The National Medical Association is calling for ALL members, educators, students and local health care practitioners to join us for an insightful and meaningful discussion to highlight and resolve these healthcare challenges (visit: www.nmanet.org),” says Martin Hamlette.

“While there is no “one size fits all” approach, we do encourage you to be a part of the solution. The legacy and the resilience of Detroit has been to rebuild and move forward. Please join us for this year’s convention to contribute to this tremendous momentum. The NMA and our members are committed to the health and wellbeing of the city of Detroit and the state as a whole.”

The conference is open to the public and offers several important sessions. For more information visit: www.nmanet.org.

August 1 – 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cobo Hall-Free Prostate Testing – Men must present valid identification. No insurance needed. Private exam by physician includes blood work. Test results will be available to participants within 48 hours.

August 3, 9 a.m. at the Detroit Marriott African American Women & Heart Disease – Guest Speakers Cardiologist Dr. Kimberly and Taylor Clark will speak. Attendees will hear a testimonial from heart disease survivor Delores Dalton.

August 5, 9 a.m. at the Detroit Marriott-Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Guest Speaker, Oncologist Dr. Lisa Newman with Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor Dr. Regina Flippin, who is a practicing Podiatrist.